164 FIRM ABOUT IT LUKE’S POV I stood there, aching inside, as I gazed at Harriet, who was still standing and staring at me, like we were both hypnotized. But it was darkness all over here. The memory of her betrayal lingered like a bitter taste in my mouth. We locked eyes, no words passing between us, just the weight of unspoken truths hanging heavily in the air. The silence spoke volumes, echoing the shattered trust and the pain that now stood between us. was As I looked into Harriet’s eyes, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions swirling within me. There anger, yes, but also a deep sense of sadness and disappointment. When she had carried out that sh*t, I went ahead to ask myself how she could have done this to me. How could she have shattered the foundation of trust that we had built over the years? Yeah, those good–for–nothing thoughts flooded my head. The diner buzzed with activity around us, oblivious to the silent turmoil that enveloped Harriet and me. It was as if time had frozen, trapping us in this moment of confrontation and quiet despair. The clinking of dishes and the murmur of distant conversations all faded into the background as we continued to stand there, locked in our wordless exchange. In this picture, things were literally messed up. I could now see the flicker of regret in Harriet’s eyes, a shadow of remorse that danced across her features. But it was too late for apologies now. The damage had been done, with irreparable cracks forming in the once–solid bond that held us together. I wanted to speak, to display my anger, to unleash the torrent of emotions that threatened to consume me. But something held me back-a strange sense of resignation that settled over me like a heavy shroud. In this moment, I realized that words would not be enough to mend what had been broken between us. The trust that had been shattered could not be easily pieced back together. Our silence spoke louder than any words ever could, a poignant reminder of the rift that has existed between us ever since I found out about her unworthy acts. And right here, right now, as the weight of our shared history pressed down on me, I knew that those moments would forever be etched in my memory. The pain of betrayal, the ache of lost trust–they would linger long after we parted ways. And so we stood there, two figures in a crowded diner, bound by our past and the unspoken words that hung between us like a heavy fog but I As Harriet approached me, I couldn’t help but take a step back. I knew she wanted to talk to me, was definitely not going to let that happen. I didn’t want to engage in any conversation with her. In fact, I didn’t even want to be near her. The thought of having to interact with her was really sick, and it was extremely uncomfortable. I took another step back, hoping she would get the hint and leave me alone. I didn’t want that piece of trash coming close to me. In fact, I should even call the police and tell them what the fuck I was seeing. The fire in my hea my heart was still burning, and it was not love. It was pure hate that churned for this woman who once held my heart, but then, with those days passing by, our love was torn apart, wrecked, demolished, ruined, broken like shattered glasses, and could never be the way it used to be. 164 FIRM ABOUT IT 2/3 I remembered when Harriet used to be my everything, my wonderful light, brightening my life and making me feel like I was in heaven. Great moments of bliss, but she chose to cheat and take flight, leaving me shattered with a pain that I couldn’t withstand at that time. I trusted her with all my being, but she played games, her lies deceiving, with a pain so exhilarating. I gave her my all; my love was so true, but she chose to betray me, so what could I do? Throw her goddamn ass out of my life, and I followed through with it–a perfect decision I made. Yes, I couldn’t regret it at all. The memories haunted me those times, day and night, when I would wake up. Oh, the love we shared was so beautiful, but too bad it was now out of sight. And the pain still remained, along with the anger. A constant reminder of my love that went in vain in the end. I could curse her name with every breath for causing me such immense distress. My heart was now filled with intense rage towards this ravishing woman who once held my gaze. Oh, how she left me wounded, all because some love had me blinded. Piece of crap. So let the fire in my heart burn for this woman who caused me to yearn. It had me burning in pain, and I swear it felt like hell. A love that was once pure and true ended up in pain and intense hatred. Something that could never be forgotten. Because it took eight years to build such a relationship, and everything went down the drain in the end. The fault was with both of us. The blame was on her, though, and I would also consider myself to be part of it. Harriet fastened her pace, while I just stood still, watching her. Enough was enough; let’s get things done around here. And the moment she got closer to me, we gazed at each other for quite a few seconds. “Luke, my love. It’s actually a nice thing to see you once again.” Harriet smiled at me. “You broke out of prison. That’s actually shocking of you,” I told her, my expression not softening one bit. “And by the way, do not call me your love.” “Why not? Have you forgotten about the lovely moments we spent together?” “And have you forgotten how you were cheating on me the whole time?” I retorted. She laughed. “If you hate me so much, then why did you come to visit me in prison?” “I don’t even know myself.” me.” “I think I do. It’s because you still love me. “There’s no need for you to fool yourself.” “I’m not.” “You know I can call the cops on you right now?” “But you won’t,” she said with a smirk. “Because you love me.” “That’s never happening.” 164 FIRM ABOUT IT 3/3 Harriet’s smirk turned into a frown as she realized I wasn’t going to give in to her. I couldn’t let her get to me again. I couldn’t let her weasel her way back into my life. That would be so stupid. “Luke, please…” “I mean it, Harriet. Don’t show up in my life again,” I said firmly, trying to keep my emotions in check. “But I need you, Luke. I have nowhere else to go. “That’s not my problem anymore.” I turned away and started walking away from her. “Luke, wait!” She called after me. But I ignored her and made my way to the car. She should be glad I didn’t even call the cops on her.
